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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on December 4, 2021, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

Most people associate pumpkins with decorations used during the fall season or carved jack-o-lanterns for Halloween. However, pumpkins are also considered a “super food,” meaning they can be a significant asset in survival situations.

To give you a better idea, here are 5 unexpected ways you can use pumpkin in survival!

5 Unexpected Ways to Use Pumpkin in Survival

1. Food

Pumpkin is a type of orange winter squash native to North America. Though many people consider it a vegetable, scientifically, pumpkin is classified as a fruit due to its edible seeds. However, pumpkins are more similar to vegetables than fruits when it comes to their nutrition. More specifically, pumpkins are associated with low-calorie weight loss and even lower risks of cancer.

That said, pumpkins do have what most consider a delicious taste, along with great versatility in cooking and baking. This, combined with dense and rich nutrients, makes pumpkin an excellent food to incorporate in survival recipes.

2. Hydration

Dehydration poses one of the biggest risks when it comes to survival. Dehydration happens when the body uses or loses more fluid than it takes in, leaving it without enough water and other fluids to carry out normal functions. Moderate dehydration can quickly turn into severe dehydration, which might result in serious health risks or even death.

Fortunately, pumpkin has a very high water content. When canned, they are nearly 90% water. For this reason, having pumpkin available in a survival situation can enhance fluid consumption and greatly reduce the risk of dehydration.

3. Medicinal

Due to their “superfood” status and qualities, pumpkins provide medicinal benefits. Incorporating this orange squash in a diet with its high fiber and potassium content is shown to aid in heart health as well as stabilizing diabetes. As mentioned earlier, the antioxidants found in pumpkins can reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.

These medicinal benefits are significant when it comes to survival on a long-term basis, particularly in circumstances where sustained, adequate medical care isn’t guaranteed.

4. Immunity

Pumpkins ensures survival by enhancing a person’s immunity. This is because they are rich in nutrients that naturally boost the immune system. For example, they contains high levels of beta-carotene, which the body turns into Vitamin A. Scientific studies revealed Vitamin A is capable of strengthening the body’s immune system and ability to fight infection. This is important when it comes to survival, as Vitamin A deficiencies can result in weaker immune systems, causing individuals to become more susceptible to disease and less likely to recover from infection.

Pumpkin also contains high levels of Vitamin C – which is medically proven to increase white blood cell production, thereby improving the effort and effectiveness of immune cells and allowing wounds to heal faster. In addition to Vitamins A and C, pumpkin is also an excellent source of Vitamin E, iron, and folate, all of which are shown to enhance the body’s immune system.

5. Wildlife Feed

Finally, pumpkins are also an excellent source of feed for various forms of wildlife. For example, pumpkin seeds can be dried and broken up as bird feed.
Attracting birds is beneficial for pest control and seed dispersal, adding to the health and survival of ecosystems. Other animals, such as deer and goats, are known to eat pumpkins. This means pumpkins are an excellent form of wildlife feed for providing opportunities to hunt as a means of survival.

Additionally, the flesh is rich with water and breaks down quickly in soil. For this reason, it can also be cut into small pieces and buried in a garden for the worms and insects to eat. In turn, this creates more fertile soil – a solution for planting food in survival situations.

Conclusion

Hopefully by now, these orange minions are far more than Autumn and/or Halloween decorations. In fact, pumpkins are one of the best foods to incorporate into survival. Plus, who can complain about an excuse to eat pumpkin pie when the world is ending?

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on October 28, 2019, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

Raccoons are definitely some of the coolest and most interesting animals out there, but only if they aren’t causing problems on your property.

They are relentless break-in artists when it comes to garbage cans, pet food, chicken coops, and more and if you get a large troop of them hanging around you’re bound to have issues. Those issues will turn into a legitimate nightmare if they get inside your attic or elsewhere in your home.

And when it comes to home invasion, raccoons typically find their way in off of the roof, sneaking in through soffits, attic vents, chimneys, and more. Accordingly, if you have one on your roof you need to get it down from there and scare it away, and hopefully not break your neck in the process.

To help you do that I’m bringing you a list of tips that will help you scare raccoons off of your roof easily, in addition to using baits and traps which I’ve already covered. Keep reading and we will get right to it…

It’s not unheard of to see a raccoon in the daytime, but they’re predominantly nocturnal. Being prey animals, being illuminated and exposed raises their levels of anxiety, and might cause them to retreat to cover wherever they are.

You can use this quirk of psychology against them by employing motion lighting around your home and, if necessary, up on your roof that will activate when raccoons come near. Lacking that, spotlight them with a powerful flashlight if you are out on “patrol.”

Even though raccoons are often urbanized, a term meaning that they have learned to live near and alongside human habitation and activity, they’re still startled and unnerved by loud noises. Raise enough ruckus, and a raccoon might decide that discretion is the better part of valor and hit the trail.

To do this, you can yell, bang sticks or boards together, rattle a trash can lid, or use a pail full of gravel. Anything that will create a sharp, loud sound might be enough to spook them away.

Just pay attention, because if they duck inside your house, you’ll have to try a new tactic to get them out!

Garden twirlers are those wind-powered decorations that take the form of pinwheels, spirals, or concentric rings of reflective discs.

Whatever they are and whatever they look like, if you get some that are a bright, shiny reflective metal you might be able to rely on them to keep raccoons and other mammals away.

There’s something about the glint and movement of these things that just unsettles most animals.

Being so unsure of what they are, most raccoons will choose to take their chances elsewhere. Hang these up strategically around your home and especially near the known approaches that raccoons use to scamper up to your roof. Hopefully it will deter them!

One of the oldest and best-known methods for deterring raccoons, mice, rats and other varmints is the use of mothballs. Chances are this is what your great-granddad did to keep pesky critters at bay, and if it’s good enough for him it’s good enough for us…

Mothballs have that strong, nose-stinging odor because of a compound called naphthalene. It’s deadly to moths, but merely a strong deterrent to animals with sensitive noses. Animals like raccoons!

All you need to do is place mothballs at strategic points around the foundation of your property, especially near spots where raccoons like to climb up to the roof.

Placing a few up at the roof line by tucking them under shingles is also a good idea, as is putting them inside the attic near vents and other potential entrances. They don’t last forever, and you’ll have to replace them occasionally (and sooner after it rains), but this is one of the cheapest and best options.

This is another one of my favorite and time-tested raccoon repellents, and one that I didn’t know about until just recently.

To us humans, Epsom salt doesn’t really have any odor at all, but for whatever reason the chemical composition of the stuff is intolerable to many mammals. I can guarantee you that raccoons positively hate it!

Even better, the smell seems to drift for quite a long distance, so putting rings of Epsom salt around your home and elsewhere on your property might keep raccoons off of your land entirely.

The best part is Epsom salt is cheap, freely available, and pretty friendly, environmentally speaking- though you don’t want it to get into the soil where you plan on growing anything!

Remember to refresh it periodically as it degrades and washes away.

Raccoons, as mentioned, have incredibly sensitive noses. They are sensitive both in terms of overall efficiency at sniffing out food, mates, and threats, but also in their vulnerability to irritants.

Pepper is delicious on our own food, but if you’ve ever gotten a nose full of the stuff you know how unpleasant it can be! Imagine how much worse it’ll be for a raccoon.

Grind this stuff up fresh and then sprinkle it literally wherever you know raccoons go and move around.

Once they get a good snoutful of stuff it is going to send them into a coughing and sneezing fit, and after one or two close encounters they will probably associate your home and roof with pain, and leave you alone.

Red pepper flakes work very much like black pepper and white pepper when it comes to repelling raccoons from your roof. Any raccoon that runs into the stuff and either tries a taste or gets a good whiff of it is going to be in for a searing surprise.

Even though the compound contained in red pepper flakes, and all other spicy peppers, causes mammals significant pain when it comes into contact with skin, mucous membranes, taste buds, or eyes, it isn’t overtly harmful.

This is really going to knock any trespassing raccoon for a loop, but it will leave them no worse for the wear after the effects subside in half an hour or so.

Best of all, this is another extremely cheap and environmentally friendly option: you won’t have to worry about this hurting the environment, your land, or any materials on your home. Just don’t get it in your own eyes!

Another raccoon repellent that you’ve probably got in your own pantry right now. Sure, it makes our desserts taste wonderful, but this stuff is ferociously irritating to many mammals. Indeed, that flavor we love so much is actually a defense mechanism developed by the plant to prevent it from being eaten!

You probably don’t need me to tell you how to use cinnamon at this point: scatter it liberally anywhere that you know the raccoons will go and be sure to coat all of their approaches and climbing points that they use to get up on your roof.

Grab yourself a big economy jug if you want to, and don’t hesitate to lay a thick perimeter around the edge of your roof so the raccoons will run into it nose-first as they climb.

Raccoons might be notorious predators of chicken and duck coops, but they themselves are prey for larger and more capable animals like wolves, coyotes, bobcats, and more.

Accordingly, they are always alert to any indication that a predator might be nearby, and the number one tool they use to figure that out is their nose.

If a raccoon can physically smell the predator, or even evidence of their passage in the form of urine or droppings, they will be a lot more fearful and more prone to head the other way.

Exploit this predator nervousness by acquiring predator scent from a hunting supply retailer or a pest control outlet.

Note that this stuff can be pretty stinky, obviously, and you probably don’t want to smell it yourself but it works wonderfully for repelling raccoons especially if they are already setting up a nest inside your home.

Most mommy raccoons that are looking for a safe place to nest, like inside your attic for instance, will avoid male, or boar, raccoons because they have a tendency to kill little babies.

Just like we used predator scent above, you can acquire specialty male raccoon scent and use it to scare off any adventurous, exploring females and younger, nervous males from your property and roof.

As usual, spray liberally and reapply often as it wears out. Once you know the raccoons are long gone, you can stop.

Today I’ve got something important to share…

A Complete Guide To Finding (& Building) A Tactical Backpack

Because nowadays, we’re confronted with too many options.

Hundreds of brands, styles, sizes, and shapes will jangle one’s sense of clarity.

• How big a backpack?
• What shade of camo?
• Is it “hydration pack compatible”- what’s THAT mean?
• What is MOLLE?
• What features should I look for?!

It’s overwhelming.

But fear not; I’ve got your back.

TOPICS IN THIS GUIDE…    ↓(click to jump)

Click here to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary.

Best Tactical Backpacks For Sale Today

Some manufacturers make better products than others.

And this is no exception when it comes to military backpacks.

There are cheap ones, and there are reliable ones.

So here are the best tactical backpacks on the market today:

↓ Bug Out Bag Review – The Combat Bag by EVATAC

↓ 3V Gear Paratus 3-Day Tactical Pack Review

↓ 5.11 Tactical Rush 72 – Tactical Pack – Field Review

↓ LA Police Gear Operator Backpack – Affordable and Solid Bushcraft Pack

↓ Reebow Tactical 3-Day Military Backpack Review

↓ Budget Bugout Bag Option: CVLife Rucksack

What Is A Tactical Backpack Anyway?

They’re pack designed for intensive tactical purposes.

Tactical backpacks set themselves apart from “regular” backpacks in every way imaginable. 

They are a major upgrade a cheap Jan-sport back-sack.

Because there are important distinctions between them.

Like many of the best survival tools, tactical backpacks were designed originally for the military.

They were (and still are) part of the standard-issue gear soldiers receive.

These packs are designed to hold all their critical survival gear and tactical equipment.

Because a backpack becomes your best friend in the military and the wild.

This is why assault backpacks were engineered to withstand harsh environments.

The worst abuse you can think of.

These packs must be reliable, so it’s worth spending a little extra cash on a great one.

You want quality when it comes to a military backpack.

Which is exactly what makes them so great.

I know plenty of people who use their combat pack as their bug-out bag.

I see them on the trails when I’m hiking, and folks use them as EDC packs as well.

They can also be used to haul around computers, books, and notes in coffee shops.

That’s not really their intended purpose…

But hey, not everyday you’ll find yourself in combat.

The bottom line is:

Yes, military tactical backpacks have come a long way.

And it’s only a testament to their utility, versatility, and practicality.

Click here to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary.

Best Tactical Backpack Features To Look For

The easiest way to look for the right backpack is to learn what makes one great.

Here’s the thing: many of these qualities are subjective.

For example:

Deciding what size backpack to get will hinge on your needs.

The color or type of camouflage you choose should depend on the environment.

So always keep in mind:

“What is my situation? What are my needs? How do I intend to use it?”

That being said, here the best features to look for:

Insane Durability

Any backpack used for tactical, survival, or adventures must be tough.

It should be able to withstand the worst-case conditions.

• The buckles need to be strong.
• The compression straps need to be thick.
• The zippers need to be of high quality.
• The seams need to be double-stitched.
• You get the picture…

Seek strength and craftsmanship over price or aesthetics.

Extremely Lightweight

Of course, you carry this on your back (usually packed with gear and supplies).

So naturally, you should look for the lightest-weight bag (assuming high quality).

With that said, NEVER sacrifice durability for weight.

There is a fine line here.

There’s a point at which you diminish the product’s resilience as you go super lightweight.

Includes A MOLLE System

Pronounced “Molly,” this acronym stands for Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment.

Molle is rows of high-durability cordura nylon straps.

They are fixed to the outside of the pack.

This allows users to attach a large variety of Molle-compatible attachments.

Side Note: These attachment points are called “PALS”; Pouch Attachment Ladder System.

This allows you to customize your pack for different adventures.

It also allows you to add additional gear you carry over time.

↓ Everything You Need To Know About MOLLE

Multi-Compartmental

A tactical backpack must have ample storage space.

But not all storage setups are the same.

Multi-compartments = Better organization.

Lots of compartments help you keep similar items together for faster retrieval.

You can separate food items from tools and daily-use items from water bottles.

I like having lots and lots of separate compartments for my combat pack.

I like having 1 large compartment for my sleeping bag and smaller compartments for all my other gear.

The key is to keep your most used items easy accessible at all times.

Straps

The heavier the pack, the more straps you’ll want.

And you’ll want those straps to be adjustable and padded.

For example:

A padded hip belt will save your back by distributing the weight from your shoulders to your hips.

You want a sternum strap to keep the pack tight against your back.

This is important when running or scrambling, which is key to a pack being “tactical.”

Hydration Pack Compatible

Many packs have a special compartment, hook, and side/top hole for a hydration bladder insert.

I can not overstate the usefulness of this feature.

With a hydration pack, you can drink water from a tube extending from your pack’s bladder.

Hydration hangs over your shoulder on a strap.

You can stay hydrated AND stay on the move.

No need to stop and pull out the water bottle, unscrew, drink, re-screw-repack, and get going again.

Nope.

Just sip as you walk, run, or whatever.

At a minimum your pack should have mesh pockets for a water bottle.

Laptop Sleeve Compartment

This is important if you carry your laptop in your backpack.

Of course. lugging around a laptop in a tactical situation is not the best idea.

However, maybe you want to use your tactical backpack as an everyday carry pack.

But a laptop compartment doesn’t have to hold laptops either.

Laptop compartments can keep any sensitive electronics safe in tactical environments.

Such as:

These compartments are usually sized to fit a small computer perfectly.

The best ones are lined with extra padding to protect delicate electronics.

Some even come with a waterproof zipper pocket to protect them from water damage.

The Right Color

Many of these packs come in camo.

It is essential to consider your environment and what color will suit it best.

If you live in Moab, Utah, where everything is red, brown, and orange, don’t buy a blue-tinted camo pack.

You might want a black one if you travel at night.

If you use it for winter hunting, buy a white one.

Consider yourself and your own needs before buying one that looks cool.

It’s an important skill called situational awareness.

A backpack that blends into its natural surroundings is desirable for tactical situations.

This helps you evade enemies when it’s on your back and keeps it hidden if you need to ditch it.

Good luck concealing that neon sign if your pack is bright pink or hunter orange.

Can You Add Plates?

If you want the ultimate tactical pack, then you’ll want to carry body armor plates!

They call these types of backpacks – plate carrier backpacks.

And they protect your vitals if bullets fly in your direction.

Check Out our article about tactical plate carriers – if you want to know about carrying plates for protection.

Final Thoughts

There’s something satisfying having EVERYTHING you need to survive on your back.

Completely confident you can survive a combat zone.

Armed to the teeth and prepared to deal with whatever comes your way.

That’s power!

When choosing a backpack for survival, look no further than a tactical pack.

They are light, durable, and can last a lifetime.

Plus, they can be used as:

It’s the reason these packs have become so popular in recent years: they plain work.

Tactical backpacks are necessary for any serious survivalist, outdoorsman, prepper, or hunter.

If you need a pack that will last a long time and serves you well, get a tactical one.

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& Product Recommendations…

Here are a few highlights of our teams credentials & certifications:

• Certified Member of a Mountain Search & Rescue Organization
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• Member of the 10TH Mountain Division Hut Association
• Certifications: Avalanche 1, WFR, CPR
• Official Gear Tester for Numerous Outdoor Gear Companies
• Countless Multiday Backpacking trips into Remote Wilderness
• Bachelor’s Degree In Mechanical Engineering 
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We’re fully aware that trust is NOT something you GET but is EARNED.

And we’ll continue to earn YOUR trust through our forthright and honest approach with each new Blog Post, Guide & Product we create…

Will Brendza

Bachelor of Arts, University of Colorado at Boulder

Member of The 10th Mountain Division Hut Association

Certifications: Avalanche 1, WFR (expired), CPR (expired)

8+ Years Researching, Writing, About Survival and Preparedness

Awards from Society of Professional Journalists

Winner of Camp Cold’s “Happy Camper” award in 2020

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In minutes you’ll know EXACTLY where you stand and if you should be worried or not..

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